The term “anti-virus” used to mean just that: a program that protected systems against viruses. Today’s anti-virus programs protect against a whole slew of system offenders. Further, modern anti-virus programs include a number of different features and assets that some will find necessary.

From Anti-Virus to Suite

What is the main difference between an anti-virus and a suite? The line between the two used to be black and white. An anti-virus program simply protected against viruses while a suite protected against viruses and other security problems. Modern anti-virus programs blur the line between anti-virus and suite.

It’s rare to find a current anti-virus program that doesn’t include phishing, firewall, keylogging protection, and other forms of security. While helpful, sometimes this overload of information can bog a system down while also bombarding users with too much information. Is the new anti-virus/suite combination useful or overwhelming?

Simplicity May Be Key

Given the choice between constant system reports and a program that quietly blends into the background, most people would choose the latter. In theory, a program that provides instant and constant information is a well-developed program. In practice, these programs are nothing short of a constant nuisance.

Even though anti-virus programs are quickly becoming complete suites, this may not be a good thing. All software will evolve at some point or another, though evolution isn’t always a positive thing. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a current anti-virus program that doesn’t include rapid reports and information you may not understand.

What to Look for Instead

If the thought of an anti-virus suite doesn’t sound, well, sweet, look for a simple program that will get the job done. While you want to choose a program that will protect your system against any impending threats, reports, updates, and various other details are not always necessary. The one exception to this rule may be network protection.

If you run a small home network, you may want constant reporting. Then again, these reports are only helpful if you understand all of those computer generated details. Otherwise, stick to a program that runs quietly, doesn’t take up too much system space, and won’t overwhelm you with decisions, settings, and steady updates.